Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39KyjSzw31I. For those of you who have some space in your backyard, a random loop antenna can offer some interesting possibilities.  When I was upgrading my new home in the Puna District of Hawaii Island a few years ago, I erected a 540-ft/164.53 meters horizontal loop on my property's spacious backyard, thanks to some 30-ft/9.146 meters Norfolk Pine Trees around the lot. The antenna generally followed the guidelines outlined in this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV). The key components of this experimental antenna were a balanced "tuner" (or a 4:1 balun/"tuner" combination), balanced feed line, and a good ground system for your station.  In my case, I used some speaker wire left over from a radio station news room renovation (I was working as a news announcer at the time for KHLO-AM 850/KKBG-FM (97.9 MHz), a roll of 300-ohm televisi...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84F4UgSWmQo. If you're a newly licensed Technician Class Amateur Radio operator, there's an exciting world of DX awaiting you in the 10-meter band.  Technicians can use a small segment of the band for SSB contacts as well as CW portions of the 80, 40, 15, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  Although propagation doesn't always favor 10 meters, there are times when the band is open throughout the world.  Why not build a simple 10 meter dipole antenna to catch those openings? In this video, Randy Hall (K7AGE) shows you how to make an effective, inexpensive, and sturdy 10 meter dipole antenna.  Just follow Randy's step-by-step process, and you'll have a 10 meter dipole ready for use in only a few hours. Randy's instructions are clear and easily followed.  Good luck. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JawIvGu2DYU. End fed random length longwire antennas can perform remarkably well if you have a decent ground radial/counterpoise system and a way to match the antenna's high impedance to your rigs nominal 50 ohm input. In this video, "Signal Search" shows us how to match this antenna to your rig's input impedance with a simple 9:1 balun.  The balun is based on a design from the Emergency Radio Club of Hawaii (EARCHI).  This excellent video takes us step-by-step through the design, building, and use phases of this useful balun. Once the balun is built and connected to your antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you should be able to use your longwire antenna on any amateur radio band from 40 meters through 6 meters.  For more information, please visit this website: http://www.k5acl.net. For the latest Amateur Radio news and info...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGSvI5Cgn8. If you've ever wanted to build an inexpensive, sturdy, and simple antenna for the 6 Meter Amateur Radio Band, then this video is for you.  Most of the parts can be found around your shack, at garage sales. and in the bins at your nearest home improvement or hardware store.  "Dafrogtoad" takes you step-by-step in converting an old VHF/UHF television antenna into a fully functioning 6 Meter Dipole Antenna--a great project that will save money and deliver good performance on "The Magic Band." For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Rad...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li-OqrAzbZ8. Operating an amateur radio station from deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs) can be a difficult, often frustrating experience. Yet, with a little ingenuity and creativity, a decent HF signal can be launched from your restricted home, apartment, or condominium location. In this video from N4CPB ("videosbymike"), we see how the popular Alpha Multiband HF Antenna can be used for amateur radio operations from a severely restricted space--in this case, Mike's Florida condominium unit. Mike's operating conditions aren't ideal. Please note that about 10-feet/3.048 meters of his antenna are blocked by the outdoor patio wall of his apartment.  Despite the restrictions, Mike is able to get some good contacts with this Alpha Multiband HF Antenna.  If you don't own one of these antennas, try making a small magnetic loop antenna...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT1kSQjQIkM. Do you want a multi-band HF antenna, but don't have an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to keep SWR low as you select your favorite band? Then, a multi-band HF "Fan Dipole Antenna" may be what you're looking for.  The antenna consists of dipoles for each band connected to a single 50 ohm coaxial cable feedline.  In this video, Cory (N0ECK) and Alex (KD0YNH) take us step-by-step in designing, building, and using this simple, effective HF antenna.  According to Alex and  Cory, this antenna will work well on 80, 40, 20, and 15 meters without an antenna "tuner".  Be sure there is separation between the dipoles to reduce signal cancellation.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarr...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRuJvPEPrU. If you've ever wondered what the 6 meter band holds for you, then check out this informative and laid back video from "Ham Radio Concepts" (KJ4YZI). The idea for this video came from a recent ARRL VHF contest which encouraged KJ4YZI to investigate the nature and challenges of "The Magic Band." The "magic" of 6 meters lies in its borderline location between HF and VHF, with the band showing characteristics of both HF and VHF.  Antenna requirements are modest, with a simple vertical or horizontal dipole offering plenty of contacts. KJ4YZI does an excellent job of explaining the theory, operations, antennas, and equipment needed to work this slice of the radio spectrum.  As an added feature, you get the antics of Sophie, the official mascot of KJ4YZI's ham shack. If you want a challenge in this time of...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrvgcxVqwng. Another excellent video tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave reviews the basics of building HF/VHF cubical quad antennas. His presentation is clear, concise, and helpful. Dave does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of cubical quad antennas in a variety of operating environments. He also reviews the formulas used in calculating dimensions and spacings between elements.  Although cubical quads have been used extensively on the VHF/UHF amateur radio bands, they can also be found on some of the HF bands, including, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters.  On lower HF bands (i.e. 40, 80, and 160 meters), quads tend to be quite large and bit unwieldy. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https:...

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1rz0CVn90. In this video, Julian (OH8STN) does an outstanding job of building two man-portable magnetic loop antennas which can complement your "Go Kit" or backup antenna system.  The video supplies specifications for two different antennas, based on the Chameleon Magnetic Loop Antenna.  Either of these antennas can be used in portable or emergency situations, where space and weight are considerations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com)...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnWkbiD79c. Operating on 160 meters from a deed-restricted home, apartment, or condominium unit can be a difficult challenge.  You can still pursue contacts in "The Gentlemen's Band" if you use some creativity and willingness to experiment with the materials you have on hand. In this video from "Ham Prepper", we see how a "junk bin special" can get you on 160 meters without nosey neighbors reporting you to the "housing police." In this case, "Ham Prepper" used some 300 ohm television twin lead, a MFJ-989c antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a quarter wave length of wire for 160 meters to get on the air.  Although this antenna could be improved considerably with a better ground radial or counterpoise system, it does work.  You do what you can with what you have around you.  This video s...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgdP8ao71Cc. Here's another great idea for a temporary portable or emergency HF antenna designed for field use.  In this video, GUERRILLACOM designs, builds, and operates an effective NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) dipole antenna. NVIS antennas are effective omnidirectional antennas that can cover local, state, and regional communications requirements.  This type of low-level dipole antenna is perfect for local nets, roundtables, and "rag chews."  Just design the antenna for the lowest HF band of use, feed the antenna with balanced line, attach a 1:1 or 4:1 current balun, run 50 ohm coaxial cable from the balun to your antenna "tuner", and you're ready to go. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan...

ZS6BKW Antenna (https://w2lj.blogspot.com/2017/hmmmmmmmm.html). Author:  W2LJ. Accessed on 20 November 2017, 0125 UTC. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: The G5RV antenna and it variants are great tools for antenna experiments.  One of the more popular G5RV dipole antennas is the ZS6BKW, which is an optimized G5RV covering the 10, 12, 17, 20, and 40 meter amateur radio bands without the need for an antenna "tuner".  The 6, 15, 30, and 80 meter amateur radio bands can be worked with an antenna "tuner" with some loss of performance and efficiency. In this post by W2LJ, we see a preliminary design that will cover the 10,12, 17, 20, and 40 meter amateur radio bands without a "tuner".  All specifications are given, including total antenna length, the length of the 450 ohm matching section, the type of choke or current balun required, and the approximate lenght of 50 ohm coaxial cable n...

Wire Antenna Calculator (http://www.ws6x.com/ant_calc.htm) Author:  Jim Clymer, Jr (WS6X). Accessed on 19 November 2017, 0255 UTC. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser to read the full article. Comment: If you experiment with HF amateur radio antennas, this Wire Antenna Calculator from Jim Clymer, Jr. (WS6X) will save you a lot of time as you configure and trim your HF antenna ideas.  I've made a copy of the article for my reference library, since I tend to try many antenna designs at my QTH. Here are the main antennas discussed by Jim: Standard Flat Top Dipole. Inverted Vee. Quad Loops. Equilateral Delta Loops. Full Wave Loops. Each section carries some basic antenna theory and construction tips to maximize the performance of these popular antennas. The calculator is simple.  All  you have to do is fill in the calculator form and press the calculate button. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these...

NVIS: Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (http://www.arrl.org/news/view/the-doctor-will-see-you-now-43) Accessed on 17 November 2017, 1630 UTC. Authors:  Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and Joel Hallas (W1ZR). Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to access the podcast. Comment: "NVIS:  Near Vertical Incidence Skywave" is the topic of the current issue of the "ARRL The Doctor is In" podcast.  The "ARRL The Doctor is In" is sponsored by DX Engineering and  covers "all things technical." The twice monthly podcast features hosts, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and the "Doctor", Joel Hallas *W1ZR), who discuss a wide range of technical issues. You can access the podcast directly by visiting https://www.blubrry.com/arrl_the_doctor_is_in/ For the latest Amateur Radio New and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmyvtMvEGY. This video is another great production from Ray of the "Radio Workshop" in the UK.  In this video, Ray provides all of the theory, construction practices, and uses of the classic "doublet antenna."  This old design can be used for both single and multiband use, depending on what feedlines and antenna lengths you choose. If you prefer the multiband approach, then this video is for you.  The concept is simple:  build a dipole antenna for the lowest frequency of use, feed the antenna with balanced line (300 ohm tv ribbon, 450 ohm ladder line, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line), run the balanced line into an antenna "tuner" that handles balanced line or connect the balanced line to a 4:1 current balun, and use a small length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to connect the balun to your antenna "tuner."  Place the ...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji19-6LPog0 Here's another clever magnetic loop antenna for radio amateurs unable to erect antennas because of CC&R and HOA restrictions. Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) calls his creating a "spiral loop antenna" for 20 meters.  The video does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of this magnetic loop antenna variation.  Most of the materials can be found in your ham shack or at the nearest home improvement and building supply outlet.  This is a fun and educational project that will deliver good performance at a moderate cost. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated on Friday). http://ama...

If you can't view this video, please insert title URL into your browser search box (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTsYRyEkCkQ). This is post #1312 in a continuing series featuring simple ham radio antennas. In part two of Kevin's (KB9RLW) mini magnetic loop transmitting antenna, we see how a few minor changes can enhance the performance of this small, "stealthy" antenna.  According to Kevin, this is final version of his mini magnetic loop antenna, which was made "from scrounged junk in my basement."  Kevin says the antenna "works surprisingly well" using only 0.5 watts in the WSPR mode.  This antenna will give radio amateurs living in deed restricted homes, apartments, and condominium units an way to get on the air without rasining the suspicions of nosey neighbors. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.co...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KSDvjycyw. This is post #1311 in a continuing series on Simple Ham Radio Antennas. Experimenting with magnetic loop antennas is fun, educational, and often rewarding, especially for radio amateurs living in deed-restricting homes, apartments, or condominium units. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) creates a working magnetic loop transmitting antenna from parts he found in his ham shack.  Despite some limitations, the antenna works and serves as a template for further magnetic loop designs.  Perhaps, this video will encourage you to build your own antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated on Friday). https...

New product for antenna testing (http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi). Accessed on 13 November 2017, 0125 UTC. Author:  SOTABEAMS. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: On Saturday, 11 November 2017, UK antenna manufacturer, SOTABEAMS, announced the release of a new antenna tuning system called WSPRlite-Flexi. According to SOTABEAMS, the new antenna device covers from 6 meters through 630 meters--just right for radio amateurs experimenting on the 630 meter band (472 kHz to 479 kHz). Here are some of the features of the Flexi System: "The Flexi also incorporates a number of new facilities including a unique interference avoidance algorithm to help it avoid interference from other WSPR users. When combined with the  DXplorer.net  website, WSPRlite provides a unique way to look at antenna performance and to see how propagation varies in real-time. Details at: www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-flexi " ----------------------------------------...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/v=ehjKrJ-TH_w. Here's a simple, cost-effective, and easy to build HF receiving antenna using parts found in your ham shack or at the nearest building supply or home improvement center.  For those radio amateurs living in deed-restricted apartments and homes, this compact, lightweight antenna can be used to receive shortwave and ham radio signals without upsetting your neighbors.  The antenna is highly directional and can be used to sidestep noise and interference in your home. Although this loop is not designed to be used with transmitters, it can give your some flexibility in your receiving antennas.  You could always design and build a transmitting magnetic loop antenna to complement this receiving antenna. You then would be totally "stealthy". For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.i...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSioSzSiScc. The K3MT Grasswire HF antenna designed by Mike Toia (K3MT) may be the ultimate stealth or portable antenna. You lay the antenna on the ground and start operating.  The antenna is nearly invisible. In this video from AC2RJ (rcobo 101), we see how simple and effective this antenna is.  AC2RJ says he laid out 100-feet/30.48 meters of speaker wire on the ground of his backyard and quickly got contacts on 20 and 40 meters.  An antenna "tuner" and a decent earth ground, radial system, or a few counterpoise wires will improve the efficiency and performance of this emergency antenna. You can find Mike's original article by checking the left hand column of this blog under the "pages" section.  Mike gives you all the theoretical and practical construction tips for this antenna.  If you follow Mike's instructions, you'...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7w-jdi-Nv4. Here's part 2 of an 80-6 meter OCF Dipole Antenna created by "Survivalist2008". In part 1, we collected the materials for the project and began construction of the antenna.  In part 2, we put the finishing touches on this antenna, erect it in the field, and make some contacts. The antenna is lightweight, stealthy, and compact. You may want to make one for your next portable or backpacking operation.  You could always use this antenna to back up the antennas you now use at your home station. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur R...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuXPsKX6nYw. Here's another interesting approach for making a portable or emergency HF antenna covering 6 through 80 meters. "Survivalist2008"calls this antenna his "Fishing Reel" antenna because most of the components are stored on a fishing reel and can easily be carried in a backpack. "Survivalist2008" says this homebrewed off-center-fed dipole antenna is stealthy, lightweight, and can fit into a pocket on his knapsack.  In part one of this video, we learn what materials are needed make the antenna and the construction steps necessary to get the antenna operational. In part two, we will continue building the antenna and learn how to maximize its performance in a field operating situation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews....

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AEIxCzujIY. If you wish to explore antenna possibilities beyond simple dipoles, inverted vees, and verticals, try building a yagi, log periodic, and phased array. The time and effort expended in designing, building, and using these antennas is worth it in terms of better performance, higher gain, and directivity. In this video, Dave Casler (KE0OG) discusses each of these antennas and makes suggestions on how you can build your own version of these antennas. The video is informative and easy to understand--a good, basic tutorial worth keeping in your reference library. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday after...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FR72wHHCeM. If the current solar cycle is making HF operations difficult and tedious, why not try some of the Amateur Radio microwave bands, such as the popular 10 GHz Band (X-Band)?  Equipment is readily available and instructional videos such as this one are available online.  With the advent of improved antennas, better transceivers, and manageable power supplies, it's possible to make many daily contacts via EME, meteor scatter, and knife-edge refraction. In this video, Gordon West (WB6NOA) and Tim Tucker (AE6LX) demonstrate the antennas, feed lines, transceivers, and operating procedures that will insure you success on this microwave band. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http:...

If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiU6x9aZT7A. I'm familiar with steel tape measures as elements for 2 meter yagis, but I've never seen the same principal applied to the HF bands.  In this video from KI4PMI and NC4FB, we see how common steel tape measures can be used for antennas covering 40 through 06 meters.  According to NC4FB, you change bands by adjusting the length of the steel tape measure. An ingenious, creative, and inexpensive way to use common materials as antenna elements.  This antenna covers amateur radio frequencies from 40 through 06 meters.  You can have plenty of fun working with this type of antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast whi...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NABWhIHJwdc. If you enjoy portable operations and find it difficult to contact stations on 80 meters, you may want to make a NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antenna covering this great "rag chew" and daytime regional band. In this video, Gil (Commsprepper) shows us how to make a simple NVIS antenna that delivers excellent local, state, and regional coverage up to 400 miles/648 km.  This video shows Gil's 135-foot/41.15 meters NVIS antenna suspended over a wooden bridge.  He reports excellent local and regional coverage from this simple installation. Eighty meters is an excellent band for portable and local emergency operations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://ww...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZoYyIuYdaU. Here's an interesting variation of the classic Inverted L Antenna that can get you on the 160 meter Amateur Radio band without taking up much space.  The antenna is based on work done by Guy (K2AV) and built by Steve Ellington. Steve's antenna has a vertical height of 70-feet/21.34 meters and a horizontal length of 80-feet/24.39 meters.  The elevated folded counterpoise is 66-feet/20.12 meters long and mounted 8-feet/2.43 meters above ground. Hopefully, this antenna can get you on 160 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1330289353 (Amater Radio Ne...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9FLgWoyfsY. Here's a simple, effective QRP dummy load for field or portable operations.  In this video, Randy (K7AGE) takes us from beginning to end in making this useful station accessory.  Randy says the dummy load can handle 20 watts without a problem. The dummy load also has a test point that you can use to meter your voltage and calculate the power of your transmitter.  A nice, basic project that will be useful for years to come. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast that is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1439289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science ...

Major Antenna Manufacturer Ends its Production (https://www.eham.net/articles/40320). Accessed on 02 November 2017, 0115 UTC, Post #1299. Author:  Jim Linton (VK3PC) Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the formal press release from the Wireless Institute of Australia. Comment: It's always a sad story when a major manufacturer of amateur radio equipment closes its doors.  In this case, the company involved is Australian antenna manufacturer Polar Electronic Industries of Australia, a brand known for its rugged and dependable line of Polar Antennas. Wireless Institute of Australia's spokesman Jim Linton (VK3PC) issued this press release about the closure: Major antenna manufacturer ends its production Date : 01 / 11 / 2017 Author :  Jim Linton - VK3PC Known worldwide Polar Electronic Industries of Australia, the designers and manufacturer of quality communication antennas for 41 years, has closed leaving a gap for the r...

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCf3vfZEqYI. This outstanding video tutorial on field expedient antennas comes from a radio class taught to U.S. Marines (B09 Field Expedient Antennas).  Although the well-paced presentation is a bit short on theory, the practical applications of tested antenna construction and use in the field are outstanding. The speaker is excellent and paints a mental picture of methods and factors that can add or detract from field operations.  This video would be an excellent resource for those mentoring ("elmering") newly licensed radio amateurs. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/...